Researchers who want to buy Melanotan 1 for research should evaluate it as an RUO melanocortin receptor research peptide, not as a consumer product. Melanotan 1 is commonly mapped to Melanotan-I, MT-I, and afamelanotide/NDP-MSH naming in chemical and pharmacology databases, with identity records listing the formula C78H111N21O19 and a molecular weight near 1646.8 g/mol [1], [2], [3].
- Melanotan 1 is discussed in research literature as a synthetic alpha-MSH analog and melanocortin receptor ligand, with database records connecting the Melanotan-I and afamelanotide naming systems [1], [3].
- Research buyers should review RUO labeling, a batch-specific certificate of analysis, identity data, purity testing, and lot documentation before procurement.
- Melanocortin receptor context matters because the literature describes MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and related receptor-family references across melanocortin research models [6], [10].
- Published literature can support pathway interpretation, but it should not be converted into a product claim for a research-use-only material.
- Analytical records such as HPLC, LC-MS, chromatogram data, and mass-spectrometry outputs support purity and identity review when matched to the correct lot [21], [24], [25].
- Handling and storage documentation should be treated as a lab-record issue, especially for lyophilized peptide materials where stability depends on chemistry, moisture, and temperature conditions [28], [29].
Fast Answer: What Should Researchers Check Before They Buy Melanotan 1 for Research?
Researchers looking to buy Melanotan 1 for research should first review RUO labeling, a batch-specific COA, identity data, purity testing, and lot-level documentation before evaluating supplier fit. Products discussed in this article are intended for laboratory research use only and are not intended for human or animal consumption. The compound should be interpreted through melanocortin receptor literature and analytical documentation, not product-use claims.
What Documentation Should Come Before Procurement?
Start with documents that make the listing auditable: compound name, lot number, batch-specific COA, purity method, identity method, storage notes, and research-use-only label language. FDA and ICH analytical guidance both emphasize that identity, purity, specificity, precision, and method suitability are core quality-documentation concepts for analytical review [21], [22], [23].
Why RUO Labeling Comes Before Product Selection?
RUO labeling identifies material supplied for laboratory research procurement and recordkeeping, not personal, clinical, cosmetic, or therapeutic use.
What Is Melanotan 1 in Research Literature?
Melanotan 1 is a melanotropic peptide analog associated with alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone literature and melanocortin receptor research. PubChem lists Melanotan-I as C78H111N21O19, and IUPHAR describes afamelanotide as a peptide and synthetic analogue of α-MSH with non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist characterization in pharmacology records [1], [3].
Melanotan-1, Melanotan-I, and MT-1 Naming Consistency
Research documentation should keep Melanotan-1, Melanotan-I, MT-1, MT-I, NDP-MSH, and afamelanotide naming consistent across product listings, COAs, and literature notes. ChEMBL and GSRS also index afamelanotide records, which helps reviewers compare synonyms, molecular formula, and molecular weight across independent databases [4], [5].
Compound Identity Within Alpha-MSH Analog Research
Alpha-MSH is an endogenous peptide hormone in melanocortin biology, while Melanotan 1 is discussed as an analog of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone. Structure-activity literature on NDP-MSH describes the Nle4 and D-Phe7 substitutions as key features in melanocortin ligand research [13], [14].
How Afamelanotide Naming Appears in Literature Reviews?
Afamelanotide is the literature and database name most often used when Melanotan 1 is discussed in formal pharmacology contexts. Review literature and official pharmacology databases connect afamelanotide with NDP-MSH and [Nle4,D-Phe7]-α-MSH naming, which is why researchers should check naming consistency before comparing sources [3], [19], [20].
Melanocortin Receptor Context for Melanotan 1
Melanotan 1 appears in melanocortin receptor research. The melanocortin receptor family is commonly described as a set of G protein-coupled receptors that includes MC1R, MC2R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R [10].
MC1R and Melanocortin 1 Receptor Documentation Context
MC1R is a melanocortin receptor that binds melanocyte-stimulating hormones and ACTH-related ligands in receptor biology records [6]. MC1R reviews describe it as a G protein-coupled receptor with major roles in melanocyte signaling models, pigment biology, and related molecular pathways [8], [9].
MC3R and MC4R in the Melanocortin Receptor Family
MC3R and MC4R are members of the melanocortin receptor family. Melanocortin ligand reviews commonly compare activity across MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R to examine receptor selectivity and structure-activity relationships [10] [13]. These comparisons do not establish effects for a supplied RUO material.
Why Receptor Selectivity Should Stay Literature-Based?
Receptor selectivity is a literature and assay concept. It should be discussed with source context, receptor model context, and assay limitations because ligand activity can differ by receptor subtype, species system, assay design, and signal readout [13], [15], [16].
Mechanism Context for Melanotan 1 Receptor Signaling
Melanocortin receptor signaling literature commonly discusses ligand binding, receptor activation, cyclic adenosine monophosphate, and downstream transcription factor pathways in melanocyte and cell signaling models [11], [12].
Alpha-MSH Analog Activity in Receptor Models
Alpha-MSH analog activity is usually interpreted through receptor assays, ligand comparisons, and signal transduction models. NDP-MSH literature has examined how structural substitutions affect melanocortin receptor activity, which is useful for literature interpretation but not a claim about an RUO product [14], [15].
How MC1R Signaling Fits Published Research Models?
MC1R signaling is often linked to cAMP, MITF, tyrosinase-related expression, and melanin synthesis in mechanistic literature [11], [17], [18].
Research Overview: In Vitro and In Vivo Literature Context
Published literature may discuss Melanotan 1, afamelanotide, NDP-MSH, or related melanocortin ligands across in vitro and in vivo research categories.
| Research Area | What Literature Examines | Evidence Type | RUO Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compound identity | Melanotan-I and afamelanotide naming, formula, molecular-weight records [1], [4] | Database | Useful for cross-checking product-page and COA identity fields |
| Receptor family | MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and related melanocortin receptor context [10], [13] | Review | Supports receptor-family comparisons, not effects for supplied materials |
| Receptor signaling | cAMP, MITF, tyrosinase, melanogenesis, and cellular signaling pathways [11], [12] | Mechanistic literature | Helps explain pathway models without implying RUO material outcomes |
| Literature models | In vitro and in vivo research reports involving melanocortin ligands [13], [14] | Preclinical literature | Findings remain tied to model design and source context |
| Analytical verification | HPLC, LC-MS, impurity characterization, and identity review [24], [25], [26] | Analytical literature | Supports documentation review and lot-level verification |
| Storage records | Peptide stability variables, lyophilized materials, moisture, and temperature [28], [29], [30] | Stability literature | Supports storage documentation, not broad product guarantees |
What Published Literature Can and Cannot Establish?
Published literature can describe receptor binding, signaling pathway models, analytical characterization, and experimental observations. It cannot, by itself, establish a claim for an RUO material sold for research purposes.
Where Preclinical Model Interpretation Requires Caution?
Preclinical findings should be read through model type, assay conditions, species system, and measurement endpoint.
How Study Design Shapes Evidence Quality?
Study design affects how evidence should be interpreted. For receptor research, the source of the receptor, ligand comparator, assay readout, concentration range, and analytical method can influence how findings are reported [12], [15], [16].
How Research Literature Stays Separate From Product Claims?
Published studies of this compound class include human research settings. Those findings do not establish safety, efficacy, or suitability of a supplied RUO material for non-research use [19] [20].
Why Pathway Relevance Is Not a Product Claim?
A pathway relationship does not make a product claim. For example, literature that discusses MC1R signaling, melanocortin signaling, melanin synthesis, or transcription factor activity should be treated as model-specific research context [11], [18].
COA Documentation for Melanotan 1 Research Materials
COA documentation gives research buyers a batch-level record to compare against the product page. It should not be a generic quality statement; it should identify the lot, compound name, purity method, identity method, date, and documentation source.
What Should a Certificate of Analysis Show?
A certificate of analysis should show the compound name, lot identifier, analytical method, reported purity, identity-supporting data, and date of analysis. ICH Q2(R2) lists identity, purity, impurity, assay, and qualitative or quantitative measurements as common analytical procedure uses [21].
Lot-Specific Records and Batch Consistency
Lot-specific records help technical procurement teams confirm that the COA belongs to the material being reviewed. FDA analytical-method guidance emphasizes documentation for identity, quality, purity, and analytical methodology, which makes document matching central to procurement review [23].
How COA Dates Support Procurement Review?
COA dates help lab teams assess whether a record belongs to the current lot and whether the listing, label, and batch file tell the same story. A COA date is not a substitute for identity testing, but it is a useful traceability checkpoint.
Analytical Testing: HPLC, LC-MS, and Identity Review
Analytical testing supports research-material review by separating purity evidence from identity evidence. HPLC is widely used for peptide analysis and purification, while LC-MS can add mass-based identity information and impurity characterization [24], [25].
Lab-test verification workflow for research records:
- Verify that the compound name, synonym set, lot number, and label match across documents.
- Review the batch-specific COA and note the listed analytical methods.
- Check whether purity data are supported by a chromatographic method.
- Confirm whether identity review is supported by LC-MS, high-resolution MS, or another suitable orthogonal method.
- Compare chromatogram, retention-time, and mass data when available.
- Check the COA date, documentation source, and batch identifier.
- Archive storage and handling requirements in a laboratory record.
This workflow supports laboratory documentation review; it is not guidance for non-research use.
How HPLC Supports Peptide Purity Review?
HPLC can separate peptide components so a lab record can report a chromatographic purity profile. Peptide HPLC literature describes reversed-phase, ion-exchange, and size-exclusion approaches as major modes used in peptide analysis and purification [24].
How LC-MS Supports Identity Verification?
LC-MS can support identity review by pairing chromatographic separation with mass-spectrometry data. LC-HRMS literature describes peptide-drug and related-impurity characterization through qualitative and quantitative mass-based workflows [25], [26].
Chromatogram and Mass-Spectrometry Record Checks
Chromatograms and mass-spectrometry records are strongest when they are connected to a lot number and COA. Analytical literature also notes that peptide impurities can include structurally related species, which is why purity and identity should not be treated as the same checkpoint [26], [27].
Stock Solution Preparation Records and Dilution Documentation
Stock solution preparation records and dilution documentation should be treated as internal laboratory record categories.
Stock Solution Preparation Notes for Laboratory Records
A stock solution preparation record may document compound name, source lot, solvent identity, concentration notation, label text, storage location, and date. Qualified laboratory systems can record solubility and solvation variables as part of the material’s documented handling history.
How a Research Dilution Calculator Supports Documentation Consistency?
A research dilution calculator can support consistent record units and reduce transcription mistakes in internal lab documentation.
Handling and Storage Documentation for Melanotan 1
Handling and storage records document the conditions relevant to the material. Peptide stability literature highlights that peptide chemistry, moisture, temperature, and matrix conditions can affect degradation risk [28] [29].
Lyophilized Material Records and Freeze-Dry Context
Lyophilized and freeze-dry context belongs in storage records because dry peptide materials are often reviewed differently from solution-phase materials. Peptide stability literature notes that lyophilized peptide materials can be more stable than solution-phase materials when kept under appropriate dry and cold conditions, but stability remains compound- and condition-specific [28], [30].
Why Temperature and Moisture Logs Matter?
Temperature and moisture logs help lab teams preserve a clear chain of storage documentation. If documentation references conditions such as freezer storage, −20 °C, −80 °C, room temperature, or away from moisture, those entries should be copied into laboratory records as supplier-specific or lab-specific record fields, not treated as universal guarantees [28], [29], [30].
How Research Buyers Compare Documentation Before They Buy Melanotan 1 for Research?
Research buyers comparing where to buy Melanotan 1 for research should compare documentation quality before price, packaging, or catalog presentation. The strongest product-page evaluation asks whether the listing, COA, label, lot number, and testing records are consistent.
Supplier Documentation Matrix for RUO Materials
Use a supplier documentation matrix during technical procurement review:
- Verify that the compound is labeled for research-use-only purposes.
- Review the batch-specific certificate of analysis.
- Confirm that purity data are tied to an analytical method.
- Check that the lot number on the COA matches product documentation.
- Compare compound name, synonyms, molecular formula, and molecular weight against official databases.
- Assess whether the product page avoids clinical, therapeutic, cosmetic, and consumer-outcome claims.
- Document storage and handling requirements in a laboratory record.
What Product Listing Signals Matter When Teams Buy Melanotan 1 for Research?
Important listing signals include canonical compound name, synonym consistency, RUO label clarity, available COA, lot traceability, analytical testing information, and handling notes. The listing should support research procurement, not convert melanocortin receptor literature into a claim about the product.
Common Misunderstandings in Melanocortin Research
Research findings, compound identity, and batch quality are separate parts of material evaluation. Consider the following distinctions when reviewing melanocortin research and procurement records.
- Published literature does not equal product-use guidance.
- Preclinical findings should not be converted into claims about RUO materials.
- A purity percentage does not prove complete compound identity.
- A COA should be batch-specific.
- Pathway relevance does not equal a product claim.
Final Procurement Review for Research Materials
Before procurement, technical teams should confirm that the product page supports a clean documentation trail. That trail should connect compound identity, COA records, analytical testing, lot traceability, label consistency, and storage documentation.
Documentation Checklist for Technical Procurement
A final procurement checklist should include:
- Confirm canonical compound name and synonym consistency.
- Match the COA lot number to the research material listing.
- Review HPLC purity data and LC-MS identity data when available.
- Compare molecular formula and molecular weight against trusted databases.
- Check whether the listing stays within RUO positioning.
- Record handling and storage notes in lab documentation.
- Archive the COA, label, and testing records together.
How Lab Teams Archive COA and Testing Records?
Lab teams should archive COA files, chromatogram images, mass-spectrometry records, supplier documentation, label copies, and storage notes under the same lot identifier. This creates a traceable record for Melanotan 1 research procurement.
Next Steps for Research Documentation Review
Review the product-page documentation, COA details, analytical testing records, lot traceability, and RUO labeling before evaluating this compound for laboratory research. For research teams comparing peptide suppliers, prioritize transparent documentation and batch-level records before procurement.
FAQs
What does research use only mean for Melanotan 1?
Research use only means Melanotan 1 is intended solely for laboratory research contexts. It is not intended for human or animal consumption. Researchers should interpret all findings as model-specific and focus on compound identity, analytical testing, COA review, and lot traceability when documenting and evaluating materials.
How should published literature be interpreted for Melanotan 1?
Published literature for Melanotan 1 should be interpreted strictly as research context. Findings from in vitro, in vivo, or preclinical studies describe receptor pathways, signaling mechanisms, or molecular interactions, and should not be translated into product-use guidance. All literature should be cross-referenced with COA and analytical documentation for RUO verification.
What analytical methods are used to evaluate Melanotan 1 purity?
Analytical methods commonly used to evaluate Melanotan 1 purity include HPLC and LC-MS. These techniques support confirmation of peptide identity and molecular weight, and allow researchers to verify compound characterization against batch-specific documentation and certificate of analysis records.
Why does lot traceability matter for Melanotan 1 research materials?
Lot traceability is critical because it ensures that each batch of Melanotan 1 corresponds with a specific certificate of analysis and analytical testing record. Tracking lot numbers allows researchers to confirm consistency, review batch-specific purity and identity, and maintain proper documentation within laboratory research environments.
What documentation should researchers review before evaluating Melanotan 1?
Researchers should review the certificate of analysis, batch-specific documentation, purity and identity testing results, and analytical method descriptions for Melanotan 1. Proper review ensures that laboratory records align with COA data, confirms peptide identity, and maintains compliance with RUO labeling and research-use-only standards.
Researchers Cited in This Guide
The researchers listed below are cited for relevant published work. Their inclusion does not imply that they wrote, reviewed, or endorsed this guide or Pure Lab Peptides products.
Victor J. Hruby
Author profile: University of Arizona Profile
Victor J. Hruby’s publications examine melanocortin receptor subtypes, peptide ligands, receptor selectivity, and structure-focused ligand design. They provide scientific context for compound naming, receptor classification, and peptide analog research.
Selected publications:
- A review of the melanocortin receptor system — Current Protein & Peptide Science, 2016. DOI: 10.2174/1389203717666160226145330
- A review on melanocortin receptor ligand design and pathway complexity — European Journal of Pharmacology, 2011. DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2010.10.109
Carrie Haskell-Luevano
Author profile: University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy Profile
Carrie Haskell-Luevano’s publications address melanocortin receptor pathways, peptide chemistry, and cell signaling related to MC1R, MC3R, and MC4R. Her work provides background on structure-activity relationships, receptor subtype comparisons, and ligand-focused research models.
Selected publications:
- A study on MC1R and MC4R peptidomimetic receptor models — Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 1997. DOI: 10.1021/jm960840h
- Melanocortin ligands: 30 years of structure-activity relationship studies — Medicinal Research Reviews, 2004. DOI: 10.1002/med.10064
REFERENCES
- National Center for Biotechnology Information. Melanotan-I compound record. PubChem. Accessed 2026. CID 16164658.
- National Center for Biotechnology Information. Afamelanotide compound record. PubChem. Accessed 2026. CID 16197727.
- IUPHAR/BPS Guide to Pharmacology. Afamelanotide ligand record. Guide to Pharmacology database. Accessed 2026. Ligand ID 1324.
- European Bioinformatics Institute. AFAMELANOTIDE compound record. ChEMBL. Accessed 2026. CHEMBL441738.
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences. Afamelanotide substance record. Global Substance Registration System. Accessed 2026. UNII QW68W3J66U.
- UniProt Consortium. MC1R melanocyte-stimulating hormone receptor entry. UniProtKB. Accessed 2026. Q01726.
- National Center for Biotechnology Information. MC1R gene record. NCBI Gene. Accessed 2026. Gene ID 4157.
- Mun Y, et al. Melanocortin 1 receptor academic review. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2023. PMC10418475.
- Wolf Horrell EM, Boulanger MC, D’Orazio JA. Melanocortin 1 receptor structure, function, and regulation. Frontiers in Genetics. 2016. DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2016.00095.
- Cai M, Hruby VJ. Melanocortin receptor system review. Current Protein & Peptide Science. 2016. DOI: 10.2174/1389203717666160226145330.
- D’Mello SAN, Finlay GJ, Baguley BC, Askarian-Amiri ME. Signaling pathways in melanogenesis. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2016. PMC4964517.
- Rodrigues AR, Almeida H, Gouveia AM. Melanocortin receptor intracellular signaling review. Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences. 2015. PMC11113477.
- Ericson MD, et al. Melanocortin ligand research review. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta — Molecular Basis of Disease. 2017. PMC5600687.
- Todorović A, et al. Alpha-MSH and NDP-MSH structure-activity research. ACS Chemical Neuroscience. 2016. DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.6b00098.
- Haskell-Luevano C, et al. Prototype peptidomimetic agonists at human melanocortin receptors. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. 1997. PMID: 9216831.
- Yang YK, et al. NDP-MSH interaction with melanocortin receptor models. Journal of Biological Chemistry. 1997. PMID: 9287296.
- Abdel-Malek Z, et al. MC1R receptor regulation research. Pigment cell research. 2000. PMID: 11041375.
- Herraiz C, et al. Alpha-MSH and MC1R pathway review. Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research. 2021. PMID: 33884776.
- Polańska A, et al. Afamelanotide academic literature review. Postępy Dermatologii i Alergologii / Advances in Dermatology and Allergology. 2024. PMC11110213.
- Fabrikant J, et al. Afamelanotide and alpha-MSH literature review. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. 2013. PMID: 23884489.
- International Council for Harmonisation. ICH Q2(R2) validation of analytical procedures. ICH guideline. 2023.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Q2(R2) validation of analytical procedures guidance page. FDA. 2024.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Analytical procedures and methods validation guidance. FDA Guidance for Industry. 2015.
- Mant CT, Hodges RS. HPLC analysis and purification of peptides. Methods in Molecular Biology. 2007. PMC7119934.
- Zeng K, et al. LC-HRMS characterization of peptide materials and related impurities. AAPS Journal. 2015. PMC4406950.
- Li M, et al. LC-HRMS methods for structurally related peptide impurities. Analytical and bioanalytical chemistry. 2018. PMID: 29862433.
- Badgujar D, et al. Enantiomeric purity analysis of synthetic peptide materials. Chirality. 2024. PMID: 38448043.
- Shi M, McHugh KJ. Protein and peptide instability review. Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews. 2023. DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114904.
- Tran D, et al. Comparative study of peptide storage conditions. PLoS ONE. 2012. PMC3630641.
- Turner A. Storage and handling guidelines for custom peptides. Current Protocols in Protein Science. 2011. PMID: 21488043.
Research Disclaimer
This material is supplied strictly for in vitro laboratory research and is not for human or veterinary use. Published studies describe specific experimental materials, models, and methods; they do not establish the safety, efficacy, or suitability of this catalog product for non-research use. Review the original publications and the lot-specific analytical documentation independently.






There are no reviews yet.